Inaugural Doha International Diamond & Gem Conference opens its doors on January 29 at the NED in Doha, Qatar
The inaugural Doha International Diamond & Gem Conference will begin with a packed program on Wednesday, January 29. H E Saad Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, the event’s chief sponsor, will welcome the conference delegates, dignitaries, and guests.
Opening Session Speakers
The following speakers to address the Opening Session will be H E Dr. Ahmad Al Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs; H E Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, Minister of Minerals and Energy of Botswana; Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre; Feriel Zerouki (Ms), President, the World Diamond Council (WDC), and Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
Q&A with Industry Experts
The conference will kick off with a Q&A with De Beers Executive Vice-President Paul Rowley and diamond industry expert Richard Chetwode.
Panel Sessions Overview
The delegates and guests will consequently be kept on their toes during three panel sessions.
Fostering Collaboration in the Diamond and Gemstone Sectors
In the first, entitled “Fostering collaboration in the diamond and gemstone sectors,” Richard Chetwode and panelists will investigate why the diamond and gemstone industries remain fragmented, with virtually no vertical integration.
Coloured Gemstones and Pearls: New Horizons
In the Coloured Gemstones and Pearls: New Horizons panel, gemstone market specialist and author Richa Goyal moderates a panel about colored gemstones and pearls, addressing mining, value addition, marketing, and exciting emerging projects.
The Tech Advantage in Diamond and Gemstone Supply Chain
The concluding panel of the day, The tech advantage in diamond and gemstone supply chain, will examine how technology enhances transparency, builds consumer trust, and appeals to tech-savvy generations.
Day Two of the Conference
Why Qatar: A Unique Investment Opportunity
The second conference day begins with a short session named “Why Qatar,” during which three leading Qatari executives will speak about the unique advantages of investing in Qatar, one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing economies.
Adding Value to Diamonds and Gemstones
Next, in a panel entitled Adding value to diamonds and gemstones: keeping consumers captivated, Moderator Dr. Frank Müller and his panel members will discuss why diamonds and gemstones are not marketed as a luxury product.
Qatari Desert Culture Experiences
In the afternoon, the conference delegates will be driven to the Heenat Salma Farm, Al Shaniya, for some Qatari desert culture experiences, food tastings, and cultural workshops.
From Mines to Markets: A Social Development Revolution
The concluding panel of the day, From mines to markets: a social development revolution will discuss the need for companies to integrate sustainability and equal opportunities throughout the diamond and coloured gemstone supply pipeline in the communities and countries where they operate.
Closing Remarks by Organising Committee Chair
“We’re excited that we succeeded in organising this inaugural conference in the span of just three months and look forward to meaningful and productive sessions,” said Alex Popov, Chair of the DIDGC Organising Committee. “We hope this is the beginning of a long and beautiful tradition here in Qatar!”
